Living and Working in Athens

• Planning to move to Athens and teach. Can someone give me an idea of the Cost of Living, and what to expect as far as meeting people and getting into the culture? Also, any information about Work Permits, in regards to U.S. Citizens is appreciated.
  
  Thanks

  23 Jun 2006, 08:14 Anonymous

Replies

• working in athens

  hi harry,
  did u moved in athens?
  how did u find it?
  are u teaching in a school?
  i've the same idea and need some info...
  aliki

  Anonymous 06 Nov 2006, 04:27 - Report

• going back

  i have the same problems how is to go back to athens to work again ??
  after 9 years of study and work in switzerland.so if someone know ...?then please talk..[email removed]

  Anonymous 28 Jan 2007, 03:18 - Report

• information

  hi,
  
  I am in trouble. someone tell me how can i apply for working visa of Greece. What is the term and conditions. I am non EEA Person. thanking in the regard
  [email removed]

  saleem 17 May 2007, 09:18 - Report

• Working visa

  As a non-EU citizen, you need to either find someone to give you a proper contract and apply for your work visa before entering Greece (rare, in fact I know only one person in 10 years who did this) or come here under your tourist visa, apply for jobs, interview and all of the normal things you do to find a job in your homeland and ask this employer to sponsor your resident/work permit (same document).
  
  Greece classifies its citizens into Greek ciitizens, EU citizens and non-EU citizens (not by nationality), with non-EUs at the bottom, since employers must prove that there are no Greek or EU citizens to fill the position.
  
  Before you can be offered proper work, you must have an AFM (tax number). If you are able to find work and are offered a proper contract, you take this contract and a number of other documents to the local munipality and apply for a work permit.
  
  It is very difficult as a non-EU citizen to accomplish this. Not impossible, but extremely difficult. I cannot go into everything because it would take hours for me to write things out. Better to visit a website offering you this information and go from there.
  
  Looking for jobs? Same as looking for jobs in other countries, except that Greece operates very much on connections and influence, not university education, skill or experience. The unemployment rate hovers near 25 percent, though media tends to list it as under 10 percent. Of the lucky few who are employed, 43.6 percent of people under 30 earn only 600 euros a month. One in five people live in poverty.
  
  If you are a non-EU citizen, the easiest way to come to Greece legally is by claiming citizenship through a Greek ancestor if you have one, or through marriage to an EU citizen. I realize it isn't realistic for everyone, but immigration laws of April 2007 are even more strict than before.
  
  For the record, I know these things because I'm an American citizen living and working in Greece for 10 years, not married to an EU citizen. Doing this took sacrifice, blood, patience and a iron clad will to survive. It's not for everyone. In fact, I'm the only person I know who's done it without being married to a Greek and not being Greek myself.

  CaliforniaKat 19 Jun 2007, 07:17 - Report

• Living and working in Greece

  I am also trying to move to Greece to teach English and live for an extended period of time. I would love to talk to others about their experiences or meet people who are going to do the same thing. I plan on heading over there in August because according to a few websites that is the time to go. Would love any responses!

  Jen 19 Jun 2007, 07:27 - Report

• TEFL in Greece Sep 07

  Hi Jen,
  Just read your comment there on the forum. I'm also thinking of heading to Greece to teach English from September 07. Have you a TEFL qualification? I don't as it's not a necessity but have degree and am hoping to look for a job when I get out there. Are you going through an agency to set you up before you go?

  Caitriona 27 Jun 2007, 11:57 - Report

• working in athens

  Hi iam looking to work in athens for the winter season october onwards and wondering if any one can help me find work, i would prefere entertainment work or bar work i have just recently come back off a cruise company working as a adult entertainer but also have working with children experience also as i have worked with children for 10 years i would love to hear from yourselfs thank you for taking the time to read this.

  steven washington 05 Jul 2007, 12:30 - Report

• Teaching English in Greece

  Most schools are closed in August since this is when most Greeks take their vacation, so I'm not sure why some sites recommend that. Ads recruiting English teachers started in May and the good positions are filled before August. Sometimes, there are a few positions leftover even in September.
  
  Some jobs require both experience and a certification. sometimes only speaking English is enough. If you're a non-EU citizen of no Greek origin, you'll have to compete with Greek and EU citizens who are legally ready to work, then find someone to sponsor your residence/work permit. The other way is to work illegally and sacrifice a proper contract with a good salary, IKA (health insurance), bonuses (summer, Christmas, Easter) and the right to collect unemployment should you be fired. Some places offer a salary, accommodations (usually on an island), etc.
  
  Schools in remote areas or islands may also take someone without a work permit, certification or experience.

  CaliforniaKat 06 Jul 2007, 01:29 - Report

• CaliforniaKat

  HEY...
  
  I am from South Africa and am engaged to a Greek girl for 2 yrs now. She is in greece now and am in South Africa. I want to come to greece in the next month to get married there.
  
  I would like to know, if it is easy to get married there especially if i am a non eu citizen?Is it possible to get papers to stay there beyond the 90 days?
  
  I am worried that things will be tough for us....

  xolanis 17 Jul 2007, 01:14 - Report

• Getting married in Greece

  If you get married and apply for a spouse residence/work permit before your 90 day visa expires, you'll be fine. Whether you think the process is easy or difficult depends on your level of tolerance and previous experience in other countries. It's best you get used to bureaucracy as a non-EU citizen in Greece. Also, I'd like to note that having a residence/work permit does not automatically make you more competitive for jobs, though it does solve legal issues.
  
  You can only marry in a civil ceremony unless you convert to Orthodoxy.
  
  Here's an article that pertains to you and your future wife:
  
  http://americaninathens.wordpress.com/2007/03/16/getting-married-in-greece-the-bureaucracy/

  Kylie 17 Jul 2007, 02:37 - Report

• felt in love with athens

  hi everybody, i really want to working and living in Athens. if somebody knows a correct agency or some other possibility to move to Athens, please, please, please write a mail: [email removed]
  see you all in Athens

  Juli 02 Oct 2007, 01:53 - Report

• Living Working in Athens Greece

  There are no placement agencies.
  
  You need to secure a work/residence permit as a non-EU citizen just like everyone else. She has a lot of information for non-EU citizens (and everyone, actually).
  
  http://americaninathens.wordpress.com/category/residence-work-permits/
  
  Apply for jobs just like everyone else, just like in your own country. Lots of good articles and links on her site:
  http://americaninathens.wordpress.com/category/jobs-in-greece/
  
  No one is going to just give you a job without doing your homework, having qualifications and submitting an application/CV just like everyone else in Greece.

  Kylie 03 Nov 2007, 11:31 - Report

• hello,

  i moved to athens 2 months ago, got my own flat and next step will be to aply for greek language lessons, have anyone any ideea about it??
  

  Cecilia 06 Nov 2007, 07:58 - Report

• Free Greek language lessons for EU citizens

  http://americaninathens.wordpress.com/2007/05/13/free-greek-language-lessons/

  Kylie 10 Nov 2007, 01:27 - Report

• Cecilia

  Hi I moved to Athens before 1 week and Im EU citizen but also for us its not so easy to make papers. Now Im looking for a job, everything is good, so if you know about something or how to get a job, please write. Thank you

  Iveta 15 Nov 2007, 03:21 - Report

• Work Permit

  could someone help me with my enquiry. This is regarding the employment visa. i had an offer to work in Chalandri. i am a non EU citizen and residing in Dubai UAE, i am an Asian origin. could someone tell me on how will be the process and how should i know that this is not a scam?i have received scanned docs from the agency with a golden seal, but i could not get their numbers to verify it. we only cxommunicate thru emails. i have also the employment ID from the company in greece and the agrrement letter, which i have a two years contrat with them. i would just like to know the process of visa and how should i verify that the documents are true. thank you

  Claire 15 Dec 2007, 08:44 - Report

• Finding work

  You find work in Greece just like you would in your homeland. Look in ads, network, use connections. A number of links are here, in addition to valuable advice on CVs, job interviews and common jobs.
  
  http://americaninathens.wordpress.com

  Kylie 18 Dec 2007, 05:53 - Report

• TO CLAIRE!!! WORK PERMIT

  I receive an email regarding a job offer in a hospital in Athens, Greece. I'm Asian too. They asked to email all the necessary document like educational certificate, employment certificate, and xerox copy of my passport. I'm also wondering if its a scam because it is too good to be true. How did your job processing work??

  L E E 05 Jan 2008, 06:15 - Report

• Hey hello buddy leave it on me i am gonna help you!!

  Hello,actually living in Athens means that you must save up to 2000-3000 euros to find somewere to stay.You can rent a house which is up to 40-60 square metres(if you only stay) and the rent on this apartments are about 250-300 euros.But also that depens on the outskirt you are going to live.For example if you want to live at north superbs of Athens such as Kifissia,Ekali,Melissia,Filothei and more is a bit expensive here...the same at south outskirts.Now if you choose to live on the center of athens the houses betweeen 60-100+ square metres you normally pay 350-450 euros.This about homes.Drinking coffee, shoping and buying anything is a bit expensive!!For example if you drink a coffee at the center and the outskirts you pay 3,5-5 eyros the one coffee...in other words it is a risk coming and settle down to athens.If you wanna buy home and the ectar forget it!!You must work like a slave for 800 euros/month..

  Damianos Tzamtzis damitzis@yahoo.gr 18 Jan 2008, 11:18 - Report

• moving to Greece from san diego, CA

  Hi there,
  I am looking to move from San Diego, CA to Greece (crete or souda bay area) in the latter part of April. I havent found a job nor a place to live yet but my boyfriend is getting deployed over to souda bay for the Navy. I am in the process of applying for a visa and was hoping you would have any advice or help for me in regards to finding a place or a job. Where do i get started?
  Please email me back at [email removed]

  michelle 24 Jan 2008, 12:16 - Report

• moving to Crete

  Hi there,
  I am looking to move from San Diego, CA to Greece (crete or souda bay area) in the latter part of April. I havent found a job nor a place to live yet but my boyfriend is getting deployed over to souda bay for the Navy. I am in the process of applying for a visa and was hoping you would have any advice or help for me in regards to finding a place or a job. Not sure where to start- pls help.
  email me at [email removed]

  michelle 24 Jan 2008, 12:18 - Report

• hello

  i'm a romanian girl,i wanna go work and live some time in athens...can somebody help me find something to rent???

  sweety_duan 10 Mar 2008, 01:48 - Report

• Need more info, Kalifornia Kat

  I read your postings on working in Greece and what you went through. I am in somewhat similiar situation though am not looking nor have the intention on working in Greece. Like you, I am non EU, and have no Greek affiliation (by blood or by marriage), however, I got the chance to live in Greece for almost 4 years while I was an active military and stationed in Larissa/Tyrnavos. I fell in love with Greece, the people, the food, the lifestyle so I decided to retire in Greece. The problem I encountered was that it seemed like nobody knows what to do. I was stationed in DC after Greece and I went to the Greek Embassy to inquire. There, I was told I didnt need anything, not a visa, not a permit. The guy told me to fly to Greece and apply for residency at the locality before my 90 day max stay is up. He said it would be stupid for the Greek government to disapprove my request to stay considering I have my guaranteed military retirement pay every month, that I would be spending my money on the local economy, and that I would not stealing somebody else's job. He said the if the Greek government allows other unemployed immigrants from the Balkans and some south Asian countries to stay in Greece, why wouldnt they allow a financially secured American stay. It sounded too good to be true. A week before my flight to Greece, I called the Greek Consulates in LA and San Francisco and again inquired about having a temporary residence permit or a visa. They echoed what the gentleman from DC told me. So, I flew to Greece on December 6, 2006 and brought with me documents that would support that I will never be a burden to the Greek government (including medical and dental coverage). When I went to the Alien's Office in Peristeri, the first thing they asked me was a...guess what...A VISA from the Greek Embassy from my country of origin. So, I stayed until my 90th day and flew back to the US. Now, am back in CA and am going back to the Greek Embassy to inquire one more time. You mentioned that the process you went through was long and tedious and it took a lot of patience. I was just wondering if you could, or would be nice to share some info. I will be flying back to Greece in mid May or early June with or without the visa they were talking about, and am planning on doing the "stay for 90 days max, then cross the border to Turkey, have a coffee, then return to Greece for another 90 day" routine.
  If you wouldnt mind sharing what you went through, and giving me info and advice, please respond to my email address and we could correspond through private emails.
  My email address is [email removed]
  
  A few days back, my friend told me that his lawyer friend told him a different process, and would cost me 1500 euros.
  
  Hope to hear from you soon.

  deli 18 Mar 2008, 01:00 - Report

• to Deli: US Military retiree GREECE

  Hi deli,
  
  A friend of mine who is a US military retiree in Athens, and had been in Tyrnavos as well will be sending you an email with the subject:
  
  US MILITARY RETIREE - GREECE..
  
  He has some info that can make your transition smoother since you are retired US military.

  Chris 22 Mar 2008, 08:20 - Report

• Non- EU spouse - work permit

  I am to marry a Greek and I am a non-eu citizen. I am an English teacher with a degree.What is the procedure about the work permit? Will I also be classified as a non-eu after i get married? How long will i have to wait for my work permit?Thank you!

  Ana 15 Apr 2008, 02:55 - Report

• Residing in Greece

  Is there anyone who could shed some light on my situation... I am a South Afican who resides in sunny South Africa and my fiance is a Greek Citizen in Greece. We wish to marry in Greece and reside in Greece. To the best of my knowledge we may marry in Greece if I am there on a tourist visa however I am not sure if I have to return to South Africa to apply for a residence visa or if I may do it in Greece. The situation only gets worse... I have an 8 yr old son who is not my fiance's. If I apply for a residence visa for myself will he also qualify to reside in Greece? Can anyone advise me or point me in the right direction??

  Zita 15 Apr 2008, 03:00 - Report

• American Education in crete

  I am an american greek wanting to move chania crete, but the problem is I have school aged children one being a straight A student I need to know if there is american schooling maybe in souda bay or somewhere around the chania area. Reasoning is all my family is there.

  Monica Michelakis Frank 01 May 2008, 10:22 - Report

• American Eduction for Monica

  We are Americans moving to the Chania area. I also have children that will need to be schooled. The only thing is the international school is in too far away. I think my only option is homeschooling. My son will be going into the second grade and I have another one who is four. The prospects aren't so good.

  Ginger Barker 24 May 2008, 11:45 - Report

• Living and Working in Greece

  I highly advise everyone who is interested in living and working in Greece to take a look at livingingreece.gr for information about visas, permits and looking for a job, salaries, etc. Lots of information, all current and written by someone who has done it for 11 years.

  Christiane 07 Jun 2008, 08:22 - Report

• Visas, Permits and Working in Greece

  Lots of information based on real experience. Living and Working in Greece
  
  http://livingingreece.gr

  Frank 07 Jun 2008, 08:26 - Report

• work in greece

  hi
  i am ali am pakistani i want coming in greece
  please help and you send me immegration rules
  and visa information
  thank you

  ali 14 Jun 2008, 04:29 - Report

• someone call the police!

  I am Sami from Egypt, I teach Arabic and I can handle multi courses at a time. I wanted to go to Greece and find an appropriate job there. but after I failed getting the visa I tried that illegally and I think I am very close now. so please someone inform the authorities before my other character inside me wakes up. my name is Sami Adel.
  I am schizophrenic by the way!

  sami 05 Jul 2008, 01:29 - Report

• homeschooling in greece

  My family is considering a move to Greece. We currently homeschool our child. Is is legal to do in greece?

  Gretchen 06 Jul 2008, 06:01 - Report

• building a house in chania

  I have a nice land in kokino chorio, I bought it two years ago and I would like to build a house now. I would appreciate if somebody could suggest me some construction companies providing damp course and full insulation of course with solid reputation.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Peter

  peter muller 07 Jul 2008, 11:50 - Report

• HELP!!

  Hi I'm an American and I want to move to Athens for the year and become a TEFL instructor. Is it better to get your TEFL certificate in the USA or in Greece? Also do schools help their instructors obtain work Visas? What would be the repercussions if I just stayed in the country illegally?
  
  Please help I feel discouraged, but I really want to teach English in Athens.

  Confused 25 Jul 2008, 06:38 - Report

• PLEASE I NEED YOUR DIVINE HELP

  DEAR,
  I WICH TO COME OVER TO GRECEE AND,AND GET A JOB OVER THERE,I HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING,I HAVE BENN HAVING THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE AND WORK IN GRECEE.
  SIR I WILL BE VERY GREATFUL IF AN GIVEN THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY,SIR PLEASE THIS THE ONLY WAY I CAN ACHIEVE MY GREAT VISION.
  THIS IS MY PHONE NUMBER:+2348070562726,AND MY MAIL IS :[email removed]
  HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SIR
  FROM FRIDAY IGEMOH.

  FRIDAY IGEMOH 13 Aug 2008, 05:47 - Report

• You folks are crazy!!!

  I live in GR (athens and around) this place is rough even for locals. GR is comfortable for the gods and the rich. The cost of living is way way up and the only jobs you'll probably find are cleaning jobs. Most jobs for foriegners are seasonal...so after 3 months then what the heck do you do. If your from the USA make sure you get everything you need for a work permit before you come, the embassy will do nothing for you but tell you to go back if you don't get clearence from the US first. Wanna teach English in Athens?...yeah, you and 1,000,000 other hippies..listen, I've got a masters in english (can you tell by the type) and a minor in classical history and nothing. I can prove this by telling you to open up any paper in GR and looking through the ads...English Teachers are everywhere!!! Athens is riddled with refugees from 3rd world countries and English teachers.
  This is how the job market goes in GR for GREEKS:
  I know many many people who have many degrees and are still working as clerks. One guy I know is a medical doctor and has just now found a job..HE'S 40!!!! Yeah 40 flippen years old! So, if Greeks can't get a decent job what makes non-Greeks think they can do better. This is a closed society over here and unfortunatly it is as they say, "Greeks for Greeks"....sucks huh? Well, as far as being illegal, if your from US, AUS, EN, you know, english speaking countries then no one will bother you, but if your a darker complexion you best put on yo runnin shoes. Even Romanians and Polish have to watch out...Russian women...ehhh, not so much, only because Greek guys like them tall and blond...hey, its true. Anyway,this is coming to you in reality, take your chances and I don't think your going to like it, however if you get it ALL laid out and legal before you come, you'll find it very rewarding. And remember, don't cut corners it gets you no where.
  Listen, if you wanna come to GR, get it all set up BEFORE you come...trust me, you'll be thanking the guy who can't spell if you heed this warning.

  the exile 25 Aug 2008, 06:44 - Report

• one last thing

  REDA california kittens little spill, and she's DEAD right about alot. 10 years without marrying a Greek or being Greek!!! Jumpin Jesus!!! That's amazing!!! Cal Kit, you gotta be one Super Babe! This is a difficult town...
  PS: meet me down in Plaka at...hahaha just kidding.

  the exile 25 Aug 2008, 06:56 - Report

• poverty in greece

  11 million greeks total, according to athens news 2 million of them live below the poverty line. athens in tough.

  needagyro 25 Aug 2008, 07:00 - Report

• Work permit from the US?

  So, my question is; If one is coming from the US to Greece, how does one get a work permit before leaving the US? Passport is not difficult, but I've worked here my whole life. Where does one get a work permit for Greece?
  I really would not mind doing labor or non-skilled jobs - and I do want to make sure that I do everything by the book, but this is all new to me. Any advise or help is greatly appreciated!!!
  Thanks!

  Robin Hood 03 Oct 2008, 02:13 - Report

• i want to find work in athens

  I AM from Romania my name is Bogdan I'm 20 years and i want to find work in Athens
  i know Romanian ,English,Greek,and a work in a club cafe-bar is ma target [email removed] ma email adrese...!!help

  Savu bogdan 20 Oct 2008, 06:43 - Report

• athens

  hi i have been reading theforum and wwas woundering if any of u have got any where in regards to finding a job, if so any help on how to find onewould be great my emailaddress is
  [email removed]
  really greatful for any ones help

  dawn 21 Oct 2008, 03:44 - Report

• contact

  I am a student in 'ALGERIA' and i would like obtain a visa in order to study and work in this nice countury . My email is: [email removed]

  THAFSOUTH 16 Dec 2008, 11:40 - Report

• Residence Permit

  I am a South AFrican married to a Greek-American. Both his parents are Greek so he qualifies for Greek citizenship. We are in the process of moving here. We have done most of the paperwork all that is left to do is to hand in his papers at the municipality. We were told that he gets a receipt and with this he can go to the nearest police station, hand it in and I immediately get my residence permit. I still travel on my SA passport and coming to Greece from the States I had gotten a Schengen visa for 90days. I have now overstayed my visa by over a month. He was trying to prolong applying for his citizenship so he could avoid the army, he is 40yrs old. Anyway my mom suddenly passed away Tuesday night from complications she had from a surgery. I now have to go home to be at her funeral on Tuesday. I don't know what I can do to get there. I guess my question is if they really do issue the permit right on the spot and me overstaying my visa if that is going to be a big problem for me getting my permit? Do they have exemptions or something for family illenss/death? Please I need some info as soon as you can. Thank you in advance.

  Adele 25 Dec 2008, 11:39 - Report

• Hello I am From U. S.

  I am, not sure how i even got to this website, but i really need some help. I dated a man in U.S. he was going to West Virginia Tech. His name is Yannie Katsaros. He was studying to be an electrician engineer. I only know, he said he had a twin brother in Greece, and that his faimily were Doctors. I have been trying to find him for a long time. His son wants to meet him, and we do not want anything from him. the last time i heard from him was in 1987. If anyone knows him, or his family, could you PLEASE have them to email his son Justin, at ([email removed]) Or he can contact us by phone..(304) 469-7097. we don't know if he is even still alive. I pray some of you who read this can help...Thank You

  Hazel Scott 27 Dec 2008, 04:31 - Report

• Adele

  You were supposed to apply for a permit within 30 days of arriving in Greece, and the process takes several months to be processed. There's no country in the world (especially Greece) that issues a permit on the spot; at most, you will get a receipt that entitles you to travel.
  
  However, because you waited too long and are now in an illegal status, you cannot apply for a permit after your visa is expired. Read, "How non-EU citizens get a permit to live and work in Greece."
  
  http://livingingreece.gr/2007/04/16/americans-or-other-non-eu-citizens-wanting-to-work-in-greece/
  
  You will also be fined for overstaying your visa, if you're not lucky. Fine is up to 1200 euros.
  
  http://livingingreece.gr/2007/07/25/overstaying-a-90-day-visa-in-greece/
  
  Good luck.
  
  People should not be posting in a forum to get answers from strangers. Search for information from the Greek Consulate/Embassy in your homeland or go to:
  
  http://livingingreece.gr

  Anna 01 Jan 2009, 11:07 - Report

• CONTRACTS

  Hi All,
  
  We are a steel company in the UK that is tendering for a job in Athens. Does anybody please know the procedure for our employees to carry out this work on behalf of our Company.

  Tracy 23 Jan 2009, 04:24 - Report

• transfer in athens

  Hy everybody!!!!
  I' m an italian girl and i really like to transfer me in Athen in few months..but i need to find a job!!!
  Someone could help me??
  please contact me at my e [email removed]
  I will really glad of your help!!!

  valentina 30 Jan 2009, 12:33 - Report

• CONTRACTS answer to tracy

  there is any possibility for me
  to have an interview form you to work with your company in athens?

  valentina 30 Jan 2009, 12:37 - Report

• books on moving/living in greece

  hello,
  
  does anyone recommend any books that i can buy online about moving/living in greece - like a residence guide? i'm specifically interested about Athens.
  
  i have found many culture related books, but not any on living and working.
  
  any advice would be much appreciated.

  Jing 15 Feb 2009, 12:10 - Report